In All Their Afflictions, by Rev. Murdoch Campbell, M.A. Knox Press. Price 7/6.
This is the second edition of a book which treats of the experiences of the Lord’s people, and it shows clearly that their way in this world is not a smooth path. The author proves clearly that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but that they have their Bethels, which, in turn, are their preparation for more afflictions which are as bitter as the waters of Marah. They are plagued by a body of sin of which they cannot get rid in this world, they have their besetting sins of which the author treats, their fears, their temptations, their spiritual enemies, and their adverse providences. However, they have also their hopes, based on God’s revelation and the promises of Scripture, and these fortify them in view of the final battle with the last enemy, a battle in which they are assured of victory because Christ has taken the sting out of death, and made him His messenger of peace to bring His people home to the land where there are no more battles and no more enemies. Mr Campbell treats of these matters with a sympathetic pen, and as one who daily experiences what he is writing about. He has also throughout the book given various anecdotes to illustrate the matters he is writing about, and thus he preserves to future generations what, otherwise, would be irretrievably lost. We wish the book a wide circulation. J.C.
Diary and Selection of Hymns of Augustus Toplady. Paperback. Price 7/6, post free. Obtainable from Mr O. G. Pearce, 15a Park Avenue South, Harpenden, Herts.
Augustus Toplady is well-known as the author of the hymn, “Rock of Ages”, and was truly an evangelical minister of the Gospel of God’s free grace. His Diary, published in the book under review, by the Gospel Standard Baptist Trust, shows him to have been a truly exercised Christian minister who yearned after the salvation of his congregation, and who had great cause for rejoicing at the rapt attention given to his discourses. He had his ups and downs in his Christian experience, but knew what it was to have a close fellowship with Christ, and he also knew what it was to be plunged into darkness through the “bubbling up” of indwelling sin. This, it may be said, is the invariable experience of God’s true people, and because of these things he was eminently useful to those who were seeking the bread of life. There is a large selection of his hymns published, all of which are Calvinistic, but we cannot allow this remark to pass without affirming that our friends, south of the Border, are losing much by using them in public worship rather than the Psalms given by inspiration of the Holy Ghost. The book is well printed and we wish it a wide circulation. J.C.
Everlasting Love, by Rev. Murdoch Campbell, M.A. Knox Press. Price 8/-.
This volume, which is the second edition, consists of twelve sermons, and derives its title from the first of these sermons on Jeremiah xxxi. 3. The sermons, though brief, are a faithful proclamation of the whole counsel of God, and are wholly based on God’s revealed will in the Scriptures. They are also most thought-provoking and encouraging to the Lord’s people, and different altogether from the milk and water productions which are so common in so-called evangelical circles of the present day. The book is published by the Knox Press, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, and the printing is done by John G. Eccles, Henderson Road, Longman, Inverness. The format and printing are excellent, and we wish the volume a wide circulation, in the hope that it may prove a spiritual blessing to many. J.C.
Sermons (Vol. VI), by J. C. Philpot. Gospel Standard Baptist Trust Ltd. Price 10/- post free. Obtainable from Mr O. G. Pearce, 15a Park Avenue South, Harpenden, Herts.
Philpot’s sermons are well known to many readers of this Magazine. For the benefit of any who are still unacquainted with Philpot’s writings we may mention that his discourses are mainly experimental in character and, consequently, are suited particularly to those who have had a saving experience of the truth. His sermons generally have been greatly appreciated by exercised Christians. He lays emphasis on the need of the soul to be united to Christ by a Spirit-wrought faith, and exposes all superficial religion as worthless. He is a master in dealing with the soul exercises of the Lord’s people and in so doing ministers comfort and encouragement to the tried and afflicted people of God. In applying the truth he does not neglect reproof where that is appropriate.
We are sure that this reprint of a further seven sermons will be welcomed by those who have come to value Philpot’s discourses. During the hundred years since his death his sermons have been made a blessing to many, and we trust will yet be blessed to many more. We gladly recommend this volume.
D.B.M.